chapter 57: hunted

It was the lightning streak that saved Robert’s life. The instant that Li Po started to squeeze the trigger, the sudden flash of light outside the

window distracted him for a moment. Robert moved, and the bullet hit him in his right shoulder instead of his chest.

As Li raised the gun to fire again, Robert gave a side-thrust kick, knocking the gun out of Li’s hand. Li spun forward and punched Robert hard in his

wounded shoulder. The pain was excruciating. Robert’s jacket was covered with blood. He lashed out with a forward elbow smash. Li grunted with

pain. He riposted with a deadly shut chop to the neck, and Robert evaded it. The two men circled each other, both of them breathing hard, looking

for an opening. They fought silently in a deadly ritual older than time, and each knew that only one of them would come out of this alive. Robert was

weakening. The pain in his shoulder was increasing, and he could see his blood dripping to the floor.

Time was on Li Po’s side. I’ve got to end th